Seeding a ground cover is the cheapest way to fill a bare slope, carpet the gaps between pavers or swap a struggling patch of lawn for something that needs less mowing and water. The catch is that “ground cover seed” covers plants with very different needs: clover wants sun and tolerates foot traffic, creeping thyme wants lean, dry soil, Irish moss wants moisture, and dichondra is only reliably perennial in the South. Below are seven seed listings matched to the job, followed by sowing rates and the mistakes that leave you with patchy results.
In this guide
- Quick Picks
- 1. Outsidepride White Dutch Clover — Best Overall Lawn Alternative
- 2. Outsidepride MiniClover — Best for Mixing Into Existing Grass
- 3. Scotts Strawberry Clover Seed — Best Drought-Tolerant Clover
- 4. PLANTMEW Creeping Thyme Seeds — Best for Sunny Paths and Rock Gardens
- 5. Outsidepride Irish Moss Seeds — Best Between Pavers and in Part Shade
- 6. Outsidepride Dichondra Repens — Best Warm-Climate Lawn Alternative
- 7. HOME GROWN Verbena Moss Seeds — Best Flowering Ground Cover From Seed
- What to Look For in Ground Cover Seed
- Frequently Asked Questions
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How we compared: we compared 7 current Amazon listings on what each listing states about zones, height, coverage and seeding rate. We did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
Key Takeaways
- For a walkable lawn alternative in Zones 3 to 10, white clover or microclover is the most forgiving seed.
- For dry, sunny paths and rock gardens, creeping thyme is the classic choice but is slow from seed.
- Irish moss suits cool, moist spots between stepping stones; dichondra suits warm Zones 8 to 11.
- Sow tiny seeds on the surface, press them in, and keep the top layer moist until established.
- Spring or early fall sowing at 60°F to 75°F gives the best germination.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outsidepride White Dutch Clover | Lawn alternative, most climates |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride MiniClover | Mixing into existing grass |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Scotts Strawberry Clover | Drought-tolerant clover lawn |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| PLANTMEW Creeping Thyme | Sunny paths and rock gardens |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride Irish Moss | Between pavers and shade |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride Dichondra | Warm-climate lawn alternative |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| HOME GROWN Verbena Moss | Colorful flowering cover |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you are still deciding which plant you want, our overview of ground cover plants compares growth habits and traffic tolerance, and our list of flowering ground covers covers options that are better planted as plugs than seeds. This page sticks to seed products.
1. Outsidepride White Dutch Clover — Best Overall Lawn Alternative
Nitrocoated, inoculated white clover for lawns, slopes and bare ground in USDA Zones 3 to 10.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Grows across USDA Zones 3 to 10
- Coated and inoculated for better establishment
- Fixes nitrogen, no fertilizer needed
- Clear seeding rate printed on the listing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | White Dutch clover |
| Size | 5 lb |
| Seeding rate | 1/4 to 1/2 lb per 1,000 sq ft |
| Height | 8 to 12 inches unmowed |
| Germination | About 14 days at 65 to 70°F |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
Outsidepride White Dutch Clover — compressed specs
White clover is the workhorse lawn alternative: it handles foot traffic, stays green through summer dry spells better than cool-season grass, and feeds itself by fixing nitrogen. At the listing’s rate of 1/4 to 1/2 pound per 1,000 square feet, a 5-pound bag covers 10,000 to 20,000 square feet sown alone, which is far more area than any other seed on this list. It can also be mixed into grass seed for a blended lawn.
The trade-off is height. At 8 to 12 inches unmowed it looks meadowy, so mow it every few weeks if you want a tidy look, and expect bees on the white flowers in summer. If you would rather it stay short, MiniClover below is the better pick.
Pros
- Covers a very large area per bag
- Wide zone range
- Handles light foot traffic
Cons
- Taller than microclover
- Flowers attract bees near play areas
- Can stain clothes green
Check Outsidepride White Dutch Clover price on Amazon
2. Outsidepride MiniClover — Best for Mixing Into Existing Grass
Small-leaved white clover that grows about half as tall as Dutch clover and tolerates low mowing.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Grows only 4 to 6 inches
- Tiny leaves blend in with turf
- Spreads by stolons to fill bare patches
- Only 2 to 5 percent needed in grass mixes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Small-leaved white clover (Trifolium repens) |
| Size | 1 lb |
| Height | 4 to 6 inches |
| Zones | USDA 3 to 10 |
| Flowering | About one month in summer if unmowed |
Outsidepride MiniClover — compressed specs
Microclover is the answer for homeowners who want a greener, lower-input lawn without it looking like a clover field. The listing recommends blending just 2 to 5 percent into a grass seed mix when overseeding, and says the plant tolerates low mowing heights. Mowed regularly, it flowers less, which also means fewer bees underfoot.
Compared with the Dutch clover pick, you get less coverage for the money as a standalone lawn, but a far more refined look. For a full clover lawn plan, see our guide on how to plant a clover lawn.
Pros
- Short, fine texture
- Mixes well with turfgrass
- Tolerates low mowing
Cons
- Smaller 1 lb bag
- Slower to fill than Dutch clover
- Still goes semi-dormant in hard frost
Check Outsidepride MiniClover price on Amazon
3. Scotts Strawberry Clover Seed — Best Drought-Tolerant Clover
Strawberry clover with small pink flowers for low-maintenance lawns in Zones 6A to 9A.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Stays greener longer in drought per listing
- Small pink flowers instead of white
- No added pesticides or artificial ingredients
- Clear 1,000 sq ft coverage per bag
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Strawberry clover |
| Size | 2 lb |
| Coverage | 1,000 sq ft |
| Zones | USDA 6A to 9A |
| Sowing temperature | Daily average 60 to 75°F for two weeks |
Scotts Strawberry Clover — compressed specs
Strawberry clover is a good fit for hotter, drier yards in the middle and southern part of the country where white clover can brown out in August. The Scotts listing is specific about sowing conditions: wait for daily average temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for two weeks in spring or fall. It also tolerates damp, slightly salty or alkaline soils better than white clover, which makes it useful along driveways.
The narrower zone range is the limit. Northern gardeners in Zones 3 to 5 should stick with white clover or microclover. Coverage per pound is also lower than the Outsidepride clovers, since this bag is sold to cover 1,000 square feet.
Pros
- Good drought tolerance
- Attractive pink blooms
- Recyclable paper bag
Cons
- Not for cold northern zones
- Smaller coverage per bag
- Slower to establish than white clover
Check Scotts Strawberry Clover price on Amazon
4. PLANTMEW Creeping Thyme Seeds — Best for Sunny Paths and Rock Gardens
20,000-plus Thymus serpyllum seeds for fragrant mats in sunny, poor soil, hardy in Zones 4 to 9.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Thrives in full sun and poor soil
- Releases scent when stepped on
- Cold hardy in Zones 4 to 9
- Attracts bees and butterflies
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) |
| Seed count | 20,000 plus |
| Weight | 0.35 oz (10 g) |
| Zones | USDA 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
PLANTMEW Creeping Thyme — compressed specs
Creeping thyme is the go-to for stepping-stone gaps, hot south-facing slopes and rock gardens where grass struggles. The shelf carries several 20,000-seed creeping thyme packs, and they are broadly similar; we picked this one because it states a hardiness range and soil preference rather than just a seed count. The BuggyBeds pack on the same shelf lists a mature height of 2 to 4 inches and a spread of up to 18 inches per plant, which matches what you should expect from the species.
Be realistic about speed. Thyme from seed is tiny and slow; many gardeners start it in cell trays indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost and plant out plugs 6 to 12 inches apart, which fills in within one to two seasons. Direct-sown thyme needs very good weed control in the first year. For the head-to-head with clover, see clover vs creeping thyme lawn.
Pros
- Very drought tolerant once established
- Fragrant and pollinator friendly
- Lots of seed per pack
Cons
- Slow to establish from seed
- Dislikes wet clay soil
- Takes light, not heavy, traffic
Check PLANTMEW Creeping Thyme price on Amazon
5. Outsidepride Irish Moss Seeds — Best Between Pavers and in Part Shade
Mat-forming perennial only 1 to 2 inches tall for stepping stones, paths and shaded rock gardens.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Grows just 1 to 2 inches tall
- Handles part shade as well as sun
- Soft, moss-like texture with white blooms
- Deer resistant per listing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Irish moss |
| Seed count | 10,000 |
| Height | 1 to 2 inches |
| Light | Part shade to full sun |
| Soil | Moist, well drained |
Outsidepride Irish Moss — compressed specs
Irish moss is not a true moss but a tiny flowering perennial that forms a tight green cushion. It is the shortest plant on this list, which makes it ideal for filling the joints between pavers without spilling over. Unlike thyme, it wants consistent moisture and appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates, so put it on the north or east side of the house or in cooler regions.
Seed is dust-fine. Mix it with a cup of dry sand to spread evenly, sow on the surface, and mist rather than hose it. It does not tolerate regular foot traffic or long dry spells.
Pros
- Lowest-growing pick
- Shade tolerant
- Neat cushion form
Cons
- Needs steady moisture
- Struggles in hot, dry sites
- Not for heavy traffic
Check Outsidepride Irish Moss price on Amazon
6. Outsidepride Dichondra Repens — Best Warm-Climate Lawn Alternative
Dense, round-leaved carpet for low-traffic lawns, slopes and containers in USDA Zones 8 to 11.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Dense carpet only 3 to 5 inches tall
- Heat and drought tolerant per listing
- Handles sun and partial shade
- Helps hold soil on slopes
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Dichondra repens |
| Size | 2 lb |
| Height | 3 to 5 inches |
| Zones | USDA 8 to 11 |
| Cold tolerance | Slight leaf browning near 20°F |
Outsidepride Dichondra — compressed specs
In the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southwest and coastal California, dichondra makes a soft, uniform green carpet that feels like a lawn without the weekly mowing. The listing positions it for low-traffic lawn areas, bare spots, slopes and containers. North of Zone 8 it behaves like an annual, so it is not a long-term lawn choice there.
Compared with clover, dichondra gives a more even, manicured look but takes less wear and needs more regular water in summer heat. Sow in spring once soil is warm and keep the surface damp for two to three weeks.
Pros
- Soft, lawn-like look
- Low height, little mowing
- Good on slopes
Cons
- Only perennial in warm zones
- Low traffic tolerance
- Needs regular summer water
Check Outsidepride Dichondra price on Amazon
7. HOME GROWN Verbena Moss Seeds — Best Flowering Ground Cover From Seed
All-America Selections winner with fern-like foliage and clusters of white, pink, red and purple blooms.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- All-America Selections winner
- Wide color mix in one packet
- Tolerates heat, drought and poor soil
- Strong pollinator draw
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Plant | Moss verbena (Verbena tenuisecta) |
| Seed count | 6,000 plus |
| Colors | White, cream, pink, red, lavender, lilac, purple |
| Use | Beds, borders, rock gardens, slopes |
| Zones | not stated in listing |
HOME GROWN Verbena Moss — compressed specs
If you want a ground cover that looks like a flower bed rather than a lawn, moss verbena is the most colorful seed option on the shelf. It spreads into a low mound of lacy foliage topped with flower clusters through the warm season and shrugs off heat and dry soil. It is a good choice for a hot bank you do not want to mow.
Moss verbena is reliably perennial mainly in warmer zones; in colder regions treat it as an annual that may reseed. It does not take foot traffic, so keep it to beds and slopes. Sweet alyssum is another fast annual option for quick color, though there is no alyssum seed on this shelf.
Pros
- Long season of mixed color
- Heat and drought tolerant
- Pollinator friendly
Cons
- No foot traffic
- Hardiness zones not stated
- Annual in cold climates
Check HOME GROWN Verbena Moss price on Amazon
What to Look For in Ground Cover Seed
Match the plant to the site first
| Site | Best seed choice |
|---|---|
| Sunny lawn area with foot traffic | White clover or microclover |
| Hot, dry, lean soil | Creeping thyme or strawberry clover |
| Gaps between pavers, part shade | Irish moss |
| Warm-climate low-traffic lawn | Dichondra |
| Sunny slope you want colorful | Moss verbena |
Hardiness zone
Check the zone range on the listing against your USDA zone. A ground cover that dies back every winter leaves bare soil for weeds. Clover covers the widest range here, from Zone 3 to 10.
Seed size and sowing method
Clover seed is easy to broadcast with a hand or drop spreader. Thyme, Irish moss and verbena seeds are tiny; mix them with dry sand at about one part seed to ten parts sand and sow by hand. Never bury tiny seeds more than about 1/8 inch; most need light to germinate.
Seed coatings
Clover seed sold as “inoculated” carries rhizobia bacteria that help it fix nitrogen; “nitrocoated” adds a coating that holds moisture. Coatings add weight, so compare coverage rather than pounds. Uncoated seed is fine if your soil has grown clover before.
How to sow ground cover seed
- Kill or remove existing weeds and grass; ground cover seedlings cannot compete with established turf.
- Loosen the top inch of soil with a rake and remove debris.
- Sow in spring after the last frost or in early fall, when daytime temperatures are 60 to 75°F.
- Broadcast half the seed in one direction and half at a right angle.
- Press seed into the soil with a lawn roller or by walking on a board; do not bury.
- Mist two or three times a day until sprouts appear, then water deeply less often.
- Hand-weed for the first season until the cover closes.
For more perennial choices to pair with these covers, visit our flowers and perennials hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest ground cover to grow from seed?
White clover is the fastest of the perennial options here, germinating in about two weeks at 65 to 70°F and filling in during its first season. Creeping thyme and Irish moss are much slower and often take a full year or more to close.
Can I walk on ground cover grown from seed?
Clover and microclover handle regular foot traffic. Creeping thyme takes occasional steps. Irish moss, dichondra and moss verbena are best kept to low-traffic areas or used between stepping stones.
Can I sow ground cover seed over existing grass?
Microclover and white clover can be overseeded into thin grass after mowing short and raking. Thyme and Irish moss need bare soil without competing grass.
When is the best time to plant ground cover seeds?
Spring after the last frost or early fall, when daytime temperatures are steady between about 60°F and 75°F. Fall sowing gives seedlings cooler weather and less weed competition.
Which ground cover seed works in shade?
Irish moss and dichondra tolerate part shade, and white clover handles light shade. No seed on this list thrives in deep shade under dense trees.